Love in the Courtyard: Starting with Engineers

Zhou Qiming and Bai Ling grew up in the same compound; they moved into the compound with their parents when they were around ten years old.

Bai Ling was all too aware of Zhou Qiming's ability to spread rumors and disseminate information.

I remember when I was little, Bai Ling tripped and fell outside once, and Zhou Qiming saw her.

As a result, this guy went back to the compound and spread rumors that Bai Ling's brother had fought with enemy agents and was covered in injuries.

Everyone in the compound rushed to find Bai Ling's brother, only to discover that Zhou Qiming had lied. That day, Zhou Qiming was almost beaten to death by his father.

It's strange, but logically, after being taught a lesson, one should restrain oneself.

But Zhou Qiming was born rebellious, and after that incident, he became uncontrollable.

He would embellish any gossip he heard and spread it around.

Fortunately, this kid knows what he can and cannot say, so he was able to grow up smoothly.

After listening to Bai Ling's story, Li Yu learned that Zhou Qiming and Bai Ling came from the same courtyard and that their parents' identities were not simple.

In fact, Li Yu had always been quite curious as to why the higher-ups would assign a woman to protect him, and it seemed that she was not a simple person.

Li Yu couldn't find anyone to ask, and he didn't pay much attention to it, because his mind was focused on the tasks the system had previously suggested and on the upcoming production.

This production of the rolling mill is particularly important for Li Yu, because it is related to whether he can collect a large amount of emotional points.

As soon as Li Yu stepped out of the office, he saw Zhou Qiming pulling a few technicians aside and whispering to each other about something. Li Yu felt that he didn't even need to guess that this guy was definitely making fun of him and Bai Ling.

During this time, there were rumors circulating in the steel rolling mill about Li Yu and Bai Ling. They not only lived in the same courtyard, but were also almost inseparable in the steel rolling mill.

Director Wang had originally planned to introduce his niece to Li Yu, but after learning that Li Yu was always accompanied by a beautiful woman, he gave up the idea.

Just as Zhou Qiming was getting into his speech, Li Yu said in a sinister tone behind him, "What's Deputy Section Chief Zhou talking about? Let me hear it too."

When Zhou Qiming turned around and saw that it was Li Yu, he was so frightened that he almost sat down on the ground.

"Li Yu, what brings you here? We were discussing you and Bai Ling."

"Can you tell us what your relationship is?"

"We guys are so curious, everyone at the steel mill is saying you're getting married."

"Stop, stop, stop!" Li Yu saw that Zhou Qiming was getting more and more outrageous, and Li Yu was afraid that if she didn't stop him, he and Bai Ling would have a child.

I'll say it once, okay? Listen carefully.

Everyone listened intently to what Li Yu had to say.

"Bai Ling and I have a normal working relationship; she is my secretary."

"Tch~" the crowd replied dismissively.

Li Yu felt particularly uncomfortable with Zhou Qiming's expression that seemed to say, "Do you think I'm mentally challenged?"

Li Yu slapped him on the head.

"I've already explained everything. I don't care if you believe me or not. If I hear any nonsense rumors, see how I deal with you."

Seeing that the technicians were all covering their mouths and laughing, Zhou Qiming quickly said:

"Stop laughing! Get to work! If you delay the rolling mill's production, I'll teach you a lesson!"

After saying that, Zhou Qiming grabbed the others and ran off.

Zhou Qiming didn't believe Li Yu's explanation at all. In fact, he had a rough idea that Bai Ling was there to protect Li Yu.

What he couldn't understand was why Bai Ling was sent to protect Li Yu, because in Zhou Qiming's mind, Bai Ling's status was much higher than Li Yu's.

As the steel rolling mill's closing bell rang, Li Yu and Bai Ling pushed their bicycles and followed the flow of people out of the mill.

Along the way, people kept greeting Li Yu, and Li Yu nodded in response to each one.

Back in the courtyard house, Li Yu, clutching the back of his neck, said:

"I'm still too famous now. I'll have to avoid crowds when I go to and from get off work from now on, otherwise my neck will be sore from just greeting people."

Seeing Li Yu's shameless attitude, Bai Ling said:

"Yes, yes, yes, everyone in the steel mill knows Engineer Li now, they're all eager to curry favor with you!"

"What else can I do? Who made me so outstanding?" Li Yu said.

Bai Ling rolled her eyes at Li Yu when he said that, and then went to Li Yu's kitchen to prepare some food.

Although the factory allocated Bai Ling a house next to Li Yu's, she felt that Li Yu's place was more comfortable, so she usually stayed at Li Yu's place except when she was sleeping.

To avoid gossip, Li Yu almost never locks the door when he and Bai Ling are at home.

Just as Bai Ling went into the kitchen to cook, the door to Li Yu's house was pushed open.

When Li Yu saw it was Qin Huairu, she was holding a bowl of dumplings. Qin Huairu put the large bowl on the table as soon as she came in.

"What are you doing, Qin Huairu?" Li Yu didn't even look at the dumplings on the table.

"Brother Li, my family cooked dumplings today, and since you just got back, I figured you hadn't eaten yet, so I brought you a bowl."

"Oh? I don't eat dumplings, you can take them."

Seeing that Li Yu was engrossed in reading the newspaper and completely ignoring her, Qin Huairu quickly added:

"Brother Li, you're still single, aren't you? I have a cousin back in my hometown named Qin Jingru, she's incredibly beautiful. How about I introduce you to her?"

Li Yu saw that Qin Huairu was going on and on:

"If you have something to say, say it. If you don't, just take your dumplings and go outside. I don't want to find a partner right now, and even if I did, I wouldn't be interested in anyone with the surname Qin."

Seeing that Li Yu was unmoved by reason, Qin Huai said in a tearful voice:

"Brother Li Yu, you know what kind of situation my sister's family is in. Can you help her? Just let me into the R&D workshop."

"If you want to enter the R&D workshop, you have to apply for the assessment yourself. I can't make that decision. This steel rolling mill is not something I can control alone."

"Brother Li, please help me out, I'm begging you! If it's really impossible, just tell me what you need, and I'll agree to anything, really! Anything!" As she spoke, Qin Huairu was about to step forward and grab Li Yu's arm.

Unexpectedly, Li Yu stood up and slapped away Qin Huairu's outstretched hand.

"Stay away from me! You think you're so great? Don't you know what kind of relationship our families have? Even if you passed the exam, you still wouldn't get in, I'm telling you!"

"Right now! Take your dumplings and get out of my house!" After saying that, Li Yu shoved the dumplings Qin Huairu had brought into her hand and then pushed Qin Huairu out of the room.

"Oh, I didn't expect you to be so ruthless. They practically offered themselves up for a chance and you refused. If you had, you might have had a pair of sisters!"

As soon as Li Yu closed the door, he heard Bai Ling's sarcastic voice. In fact, Bai Ling knew when Qin Huairu came in and had been eavesdropping inside.

"I can't afford to be with her. She's a ruthless woman who eats people alive. Anyone who gets involved with her will be left without descendants."